Health department offers free HIV testing April 24 at MCC

CRYSTAL LAKE – The McHenry County Department of Health will offer free, confidential or anonymous rapid HIV testing by appointment from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14.

The test consists of a small finger-stick blood sample, and results are available in less than 20 minutes so residents can quickly learn their HIV status. Individuals also are assessed for risk factors and provided educational material.

It is important to learn your HIV status and that of your partners. Studies show that when people find out they are living with HIV, they take steps to protect their health and that of their partners. Furthermore, once you learn your status, if you find out that you have HIV infection, you can seek medical care that can help you live a longer, healthier life.

For appointments, call the health department at 815-334-4500.

The health department also offers affordable testing for sexually transmitted infections by appointment at 815-334-4500. For information, visit http://aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics.